February is Black History Month: A Time for Reflection, Celebration, and Action | |
The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) is proud to recognize Black History Month this February. This annual observance celebrates the contributions, achievements, and resilience of African Americans throughout history and serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve equity and expand opportunities in our communities and workplaces. | |
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This year, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering economic opportunities and advancing workforce equity for all, particularly for marginalized workers, businesses, and job seekers. WDBCCC continues to support programs and partnerships that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that Contra Costa County’s workforce reflects the rich cultural and historical diversity of our region.
Honoring History, Shaping the Future
As we honor the trailblazers who paved the way, WDBCCC also celebrates the leaders of today and tomorrow who are shaping a more all-encompassing and fair workforce. By investing in skills training, career pathways, and resources for underrepresented communities, we are building a brighter future for Contra Costa County.
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The Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) has announced the availability of approximately $3.2 million annually in Measure X Youth Center funding.
This opportunity invites organizations to develop and deliver programs and services for youth aged 12 to 18 in Supervisorial Districts 3, 4, and 5.
The deadline to apply is February 18, 2025.
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Feb. 19, 2025 | Hercules Community Center | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | |
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Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Join us for the West Contra Costa Career Fair, presented by the Bay Front Chamber of Commerce and the WDBCCC.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this event is perfect for anyone looking to explore new job opportunities or advance their career.
Pre-register by January 28 for a chance to win a gift card in our raffle!
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Regional and Local Strategic Plans | |
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The WDBCCC extends its gratitude to everyone who participated in the public input sessions for the Regional and Local Strategic Plan in December and January. These sessions brought together diverse stakeholder groups, generating valuable ideas.
Both plans will be available for a 30-day public comment period starting the last week of February. The Regional Plan will be available on the EASTBAY Works website, while the Local Plan will be posted on the WDBCCC website.
We have been excited to establish many new partnerships in the past few months, which help us extend our reach and give us the opportunity to support organizations whose mission align with ours.
The WDBCCC is grateful to all individuals and agencies who help us create the documents that capture our vision and guide our work.
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A Big Thank You and A Big Welcome | |
Back row (L to R): Marco Patitucci, Anisa Smith, Jon Rodriguez, Verneda “Vee” Clapp, Ken Austin, Supe. Shanelle Scales-Preston (District V), Charles Brown III. Front row (L to R): LaTosha Stockholm, Maureen Nelson, Supe. (retired) Federal Glover, Serena Moore, Patricia Conley. | |
On January 16, 2025, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 hosted their holiday event in Pleasant Hill. Ten managers from the WDBCCC team were present to see retiring County Supervisor Federal Glover receive an award from the union recognizing his extensive public service career and to welcome his successor in District V, Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston. | |
Shanelle Scales-Preston Makes History as the First African American Woman Elected to Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors | |
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On January 23, 2025, Shanelle Scales-Preston took the Oath of Office as the new District 5 Supervisor for Contra Costa County, marking a historic milestone as the first African American woman elected to the Board of Supervisors. Her groundbreaking achievement not only reflects her dedication to public service but also signifies a step forward in the ongoing pursuit of equitable representation in local government.
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Supervisor Scales-Preston brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as a Pittsburg City Council member since 2018. Throughout her career, she has been a steadfast advocate for equity, economic development, and community-centered solutions. Her leadership has been defined by her commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities and addressing pressing issues such as affordable housing, workforce development, and environmental sustainability.
In her remarks during the swearing-in ceremony, Supervisor Scales-Preston expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the residents of District 5, which includes Pittsburg, Bay Point, and portions of Antioch. She also acknowledged the significance of her election, saying, "As the first African American woman to serve on the Board, I recognize the responsibility that comes with this historic moment. I am committed to ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and that we work together to create a brighter future for Contra Costa County."
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WDBCCC Marine Trades Skills Training Making Headway | |
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In response to a shortage of skilled maritime workers, WDBCCC received a grant in March 2023. The funding enabled the creation of the Marine Trades Skills Training (MTST) program.
In collaboration with local partners, the program recruited people who might not otherwise have access or opportunities in this industry. The fast-tracked 10-week program provides core training for painters, machinists, carpenters, and welders at the Working Waterfront Coalition Mare Island facility. MTST allows access to the internal career ladders and in-house training programs of large marine trade employers where opportunities to advance from entry-level to higher tiers exist.
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Now in full swing, the first cohort of 25 trainees graduated on November 15th, with 24 of 25 participants successfully completing the program. Along with OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, they received recognition certificates from Marine Trades Training, US Congressman John Garamendi, State Assemblymember Lori Wilson, and State Senator Bill Dodd.
Cohort 2 commenced training in January 2025 with support through a Transportation Equity Program provided by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission—this removes transportation barriers for trainees.
This exciting pilot program will also include maritime transportation and extend to Alameda County, adding an additional 270 trainees in the future.
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Workforce Development: Reimagining and Modernizing How to Connect Workers with Good Jobs | |
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Throughout the 20th century and into the present, workforce development has been a cornerstone of building a thriving economy. Over the years, federal laws have evolved to establish and fund a public workforce system designed to address labor market needs. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted a decade ago, serves as the primary legislation guiding this effort. Its goal has been to better connect workers with opportunities, particularly those facing employment barriers, by fostering alignment between education, training, and the needs of employers.
However, the rapid transformation in how students and workers learn and how industries operate demands an evolved approach to workforce development. Reimagining the U.S. workforce development system is essential to meeting the challenges of a dynamic labor market shaped by technological advancements, shifting industry demands, and the changing nature of work.
Modernizing WIOA for the Future
WIOA remains a foundational framework for the federal workforce system, but it requires modernization to stay relevant. Policymakers need to consider updates that reflect current workforce realities:
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Technology Integration: Training programs should embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and green technologies. These advancements are transforming industries, and workforce training must prepare workers to thrive in these environments.
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Equity and Inclusion: Special attention should be paid to breaking down barriers for populations traditionally underrepresented in the workforce, including people with disabilities, veterans, and low-income individuals. Tailored interventions can promote equitable access to quality jobs.
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Industry-Specific Pathways: Expanding partnerships with local industries can create targeted training programs that meet specific regional demands, aligning skills development with employer needs.
Thinking Beyond Federal Frameworks
While WIOA provides a critical foundation, looking outside the federal workforce system for complementary strategies can enhance outcomes, such as:
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Regional Collaboration: Local workforce boards, such as the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC), are uniquely positioned to address regional needs. By working with community colleges, unions, and employers, they can develop programs that lead directly to in-demand jobs.
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Cross-Sector Partnerships: Collaborations with economic development organizations, education providers, and industry leaders can create a more cohesive approach to workforce training, focusing on shared outcomes like job placement and career advancement.
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Apprenticeship Expansion: Scaling paid apprenticeship programs provides hands-on training and a pathway to high-quality jobs, especially in trades and emerging sectors like clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
A Vision for Workforce Development
The future of workforce development must be guided by a commitment to connecting workers with good jobs that provide family-sustaining wages, economic mobility, and opportunities for advancement. To achieve this, local efforts like those in Contra Costa County serve as models. WDBCCC has demonstrated success in partnering with educational institutions and industry to prepare workers for clean energy and infrastructure careers, enhancing both individual livelihoods and regional economic health.
As the labor market continues to evolve, workforce development systems must stay agile, innovative, and inclusive. Modernizing WIOA and leveraging local, state, and private sector initiatives will ensure that workforce development remains a key driver of U.S. economic competitiveness and social equity.
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Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in December 2024. That's down from 4.8 percent in November 2024. Read the most recent state labor report for the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley Metropolitan Division.
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